Empowering fathers since 2021, the Northwest Ohio Fatherhood Connection (NWOFC) program remains dedicated to supporting program participants on their parenting journey. Their unique curriculum focuses on responsible parenting, economic stability and employment interventions while offering support services.

Every month, the NWOFC staff nominates one father who has gone above and beyond program requirements to be featured as the Father of the Month.

December’s Father of the Month Michael Thompson Jr. overcame many challenges as a parent. When he enrolled in the Fatherhood Program, he did so intending to become the best father he could be for his children.

Life before the Fatherhood Program was challenging for Thompson. In addition to the obstacles and tasks of everyday existence, he was also preparing for his upcoming wedding. As he began to struggle with everything life was throwing his way, he heard about Zepf Center’s Fatherhood Program from several acquaintances.

Thompson was intrigued by the Fatherhood Program because of the connections staff form with participants, the support they provide and the insightful community that is built in each cohort.  He was eager to learn and realized that this program would be the perfect next step in his life journey.

As a parent, Thompson believed that everything was earned, and that hard work deserved to be rewarded. This belief allowed him to fully embrace the Fatherhood Program and take responsibility for his future and the future of his family. Through his involvement, Thompson learned many insightful and valuable skills that set him up to successfully fulfill his role as a father and a new husband.  

Throughout the six-and-a-half-week program, Thompson was especially inspired by Education Success Coach Kim Gregory and Community Success Coach Ronald Taylor. He specifically praised them for their passion and dedication to the program and its participants. 

Thompson had many breakthroughs during his time with the Fatherhood Program and learned the tools necessary to set him up for success as a caring, trustworthy and reliable parent. He was able to process the parenting experiences and expectations he previously held and learn new ways to bond with his children going forward.

“I realized that how we were brought up wasn’t wrong,” Thompson said. “It just isn’t right for this generation of children we are raising today.”

Thompson’s biggest takeaway from the program was that he needed to take a step back and listen to his children. Instead of setting strict rules and being demanding, simply making an effort to understand them allowed open communication and mutual respect to naturally form.

By completing the Fatherhood Program, Thompson was able to show his children that hard work and dedication got him not only what he wanted, but also what he needed. Thompson is a vocal supporter of the program and encourages others to attend.

“Even if you feel like you are the best at what you do, learning a little more could never hurt,” he said. “Fathers are important and even just our presence will affect the way our children perceive the world.”

In addition to gaining new parenting skills, Thompson was also able to set himself up for personal and professional success. As a result of the program, he was able to attend Trainco Driving School and pay his tuition in full. He received his CDL-A and currently works full-time as a truck driver.

Zepf Center Fatherhood Connection cohorts are forming now! Those interested are invited to attend a Fatherhood 101 orientation and begin their journey with ZCFC. Introductory classes are held Tuesdays at 3 p.m. or Fridays at 10:30 a.m.—no appointment is needed.

For more information about this program, visit https://www.zepfcenter.org/northwest-ohio-fatherhood-connection/ or call 419.841.1582.